Fallen U.S. Border Patrol Agent Honored in Home State of Utah

Bagpipes began the services as the United States Border Patrol brought Nicholas Ivie's casket into the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University. Hundreds of law enforcement officials from Utah and Arizona, along with local government leaders, family and friends gathered to pay their respects.

Ivie's brother and fellow border patrol agent Joel Ivie told stories about when they were both teenagers growing up in Provo. He held back tears as he said goodbye one more time: "The death of Nick is painful for all of us, but he is in a good place."

Speakers remembered Ivie for his compassion and kindness. Chief of the Border Patrol Michael Fisher recognized how many admired him: "I can tell you that every border patrol agent that worked with Nick, every U.S. Customs officers that knew Nick, was proud and ready to serve with him."

Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Customs and and Border Protection David Aguilar spoke on the great service Ivie gave his country:

"I will tell you that your husband died in the service of his country. He did so with pride and he did so with distinction. I will ask you to please accept that folded flag on behalf of a grateful nation. I know that is not fair compensation for that which you have lost, and for that, I am truly sorry."

The border patrol says 30-year-old Nicholas Ivie died from friendly fire after he got in a firefight with other agents on the Mexican-Arizona border. Ivie thought the other border patrol agents were drug smugglers.

Just as he entered the services, six border patrol agents took his coffin out of the arena, with a single bagpipe playing.